Solid wood furniture is remarkably easy to care for. Unlike veneered or lacquered pieces, solid wood can be repaired, refinished, and restored — but a little regular maintenance will keep it looking new for decades without any major work.
Daily Care
Dust your furniture with a soft, dry cloth. Microfiber works best. Avoid feather dusters, which can scratch the finish. For spills, wipe immediately with a damp cloth and dry the surface right after.
What to Avoid
- Direct sunlight: UV rays will fade and dry out the wood over time. Use curtains or blinds during peak sun hours.
- Extreme humidity: Wood expands and contracts with humidity. Keep your home between 30-50% relative humidity. Use a humidifier in winter if needed.
- Standing water: Never let water sit on a wood surface. Use coasters under drinks and wipe up spills immediately.
- Harsh chemicals: Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, furniture polish with silicone, and abrasive pads. These will damage the finish.
- Hot items: Always use trivets or hot pads under hot dishes, pots, and pans.
Monthly Maintenance
Once a month, wipe your furniture with a barely damp cloth — just enough to pick up dust and oils. Follow with a dry cloth. This removes body oils from armrests and drawer pulls that can build up over time.
Annual Oil Refresh
If your furniture has an oil finish (most Thomas Creations pieces do), apply a fresh coat of food-safe mineral oil or walnut oil once a year. Pour a small amount on a soft cloth, rub it into the wood following the grain, let it sit for 15 minutes, then buff off the excess. This nourishes the wood and restores the original luster.
Dealing with Scratches
Minor scratches in oiled wood can be buffed out with 0000 steel wool and a drop of oil. Rub gently along the grain until the scratch fades, then re-oil the area. For deeper scratches, a light sanding with 220-grit sandpaper followed by re-oiling will make the damage disappear.
When to Refinish
If the finish is worn, scratched, or water-damaged across a large area, it may be time to refinish. The good news: solid wood can be refinished as many times as needed. Sand the surface down to bare wood, apply a new coat of oil or lacquer, and your furniture looks brand new. This is something you simply cannot do with veneered furniture.
The Bottom Line
Solid wood furniture asks for very little. Dust it, keep it dry, oil it once a year, and it will reward you with decades of beauty and function. The same cannot be said for anything else in your home.
